Trail Droppings 2038-1 Franco Retires, Moves to Quebec

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Trail Droppings 2038-1 Franco Retires, Moves to Quebec

Post by indiansfan » Wed Mar 13, 2019 7:27 pm

Franco Retires, Moves to Quebec

Calgary great Tony Franco has hung up his glove for the last time. The 8-time Zimmer winner called it quits after his second disappointing season in a row. Franco played all of his 19 seasons in Calgary and finishes his career as the best fielding third baseman in BBA history. No player at any position has won more Zimmer Awards than Franco.

“I wanted to help the team make it back into the playoffs, but I lost my swing. For the last half of the season I felt like I was taking up a seat on the bench that should have gone to a younger guy. It was time,” Franco said.

Franco finishes his career with 2621 hits, 409 HR, 1299 RBI’s and 286 stolen bases. He is Calgary’s all time leader in games played, at bats, 2nd in hits, and 3rd in homers. He was also the last player on the team from their 2021 Landis winner.

In addition to his Zimmers, Franco won 3 Silver Slugger Awards, his first came as a shortstop and the others at third. He was an All Star at both 3B and 2B during his career. Known for his consistency he hit 20 or more homers thirteen times and hit over 30 five times. He best season was in 2025 when he hit .314, 30 doubles and homers, won the Zimmer and finished second in the Sawyer Silk.

“I got to play on a championship team with him, I got to manage him for the past 7 years and some day I expect he will take over my spot in this dugout,” manager Terry Cochran said. “He is one of the truly great all around ballplayers that I have seen in my time in this sport and a great friend. I hope the HOF voters recognize what a unique talent he is.”

Franco will not be leaving the team entirely. He is moving to Quebec and taking over as the new manager of the clubs A league team. He will be reunited on the coaching staff with former Pioneers Steve Thomas and Bryan Vogel. Franco and Vogel played together in the Calgary infield for 2 years. Nicholas Brody is moving up to take over the AAA St. Paul team after manager Harold Rothchild retired. Ironically, Brody also played in the infield with Franco.
Kevin

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Calgary Pioneers 2004-
BBA Landis Champs 2018, 21
FL Champs 2018, 21, 39
FL Pacific Champs: 2016, 19, 21, 34
FL Frontier Champs 2039
FL WC 2018, 26-29, 31-32, 35
JL WC 2040, 41, 44
FL MOY 2019, 34
JL MOY 2044

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Re: Trail Droppings 2038-1 Franco Retires, Moves to Quebec

Post by Ted » Wed Mar 13, 2019 7:40 pm

Players staying in their organizations as coaches is one of my favorite parts of this league.
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Re: Trail Droppings 2038-1 Franco Retires, Moves to Quebec

Post by indiansfan » Wed Mar 13, 2019 8:11 pm

Ted wrote:
Wed Mar 13, 2019 7:40 pm
Players staying in their organizations as coaches is one of my favorite parts of this league.
Agreed. I have a list of guys to convert, but Franco bumped to the top with his retirement. Over half the coaches in my organization are guys that played for me.
Kevin

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Calgary Pioneers 2004-
BBA Landis Champs 2018, 21
FL Champs 2018, 21, 39
FL Pacific Champs: 2016, 19, 21, 34
FL Frontier Champs 2039
FL WC 2018, 26-29, 31-32, 35
JL WC 2040, 41, 44
FL MOY 2019, 34
JL MOY 2044

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